2016 Renault Koleos replacement spied, Maxthon name reported

New spy photos of the upcoming replacement to the mid-sized Renault Koleos offer a clear look at what’s to come, along with reports of a new name.

According to reports out of China, where much of the new model’s development is understood to be managed, the Koleos badge will be dropped in favour of Renault Maxthon.

The name change is likely due to the new SUV’s larger dimensions, along with an expected increase to a seven-seat interior. A new badge will therefore help buyers understand that this is no mere next-generation Koleos.

As well as providing us with our first glimpse inside the new crossover, these photos give us a much better handle on the look of the car, as Renault has dialled back the amount of false body panels on these latest prototypes.

Up front, the Koleos’ successor will feature a prominent grille, super-sized Renault emblem and C-shaped LED headlights, all of which are already familiar to us thanks to the company’s latest crop of cars, including the Talisman, Espace and Megane.

The Koleos-replacing SUV will likely grow from the current car’s 4.5-metre length, creating a gap between it and the 4.45m Kadjar.

Under the skin, the new SUV will use a version of the Renault-Nissan Common Module Family that underpins most of the new models from the Franco-Japanese alliance partners.

Inside, the top-end versions of the new crossover will sport an 8.7-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen display with a smartphone-style interface.

While the new Renault SUV’s name is still to be confirmed, we can likely expect production to be carried out by the Renault Samsung partnership, allowing Renault Australia to take advantage both of the import cost difference and Australia’s free-trade agreement with South Korea.

Watch for the new SUV to make its global debut in the months ahead, likely at October’s Paris motor show. However, the Beijing motor show, in late April, could also host the unveiling.